How to Pick the Best Cloud Hosting Providers

Cloud hosting can provide a lot of great benefits for your business. However, choosing the right provider can be a difficult decision. You’ll want to make sure you have everything you need from a provider and you’ve taken the time to evaluate your options properly.

Below we’ll cover everything you need to know about picking the best cloud hosting providers.

1. Security Concerns

One of the most important things to think about when choosing a cloud provider is the amount of security they’ll provide.

At a bare minimum, the cloud provider should offer Secure Sockets Layer (SSL) protection. SSL helps to ensure your data is secure when moving from Point A to Point B. However, the best cloud hosting providers will offer additional levels of encryption as well. They will also actively work to fight security issues.

Look for a provider that offers at least 128-bit encryption, although 256-bit encryption would be ideal. Also, find out what measures the provider takes against viruses and malware. Make sure that they actively protect against attacks on the system.

By taking the time to research the hosting provider carefully, you’ll make sure that they offer the security protection that your business needs.

2. Recovery and Backup

A great cloud service provider will also have a plan for recovery in place. In cases where a disaster happens, your data could be at risk. A good provider will have a plan in place to recover your information quickly and effortlessly.

Many providers will automatically replicate data and have a system in place which will allow them to re-create your data immediately if there is system failure of any kind.

While it is rare, it is important that there is a solid plan in place in the case that anything happens to your data. By making sure to evaluate this beforehand, you won’t have any nasty surprises later on.

3. Evaluate the Provider’s History

Before you choose a cloud service provider, it is crucial that you take some time to look up their history. Find out what you can about the company and see if there have been any problems in the past, and if so, how they have handled them.

Have any disasters occurred? Have there been data breaches or losses? Chances are, the way they handled these unexpected problems in the past will say a lot about how they will handle them in the future.

Additionally, if possible, try to speak to come former and current clients of the provider. Online reviews can also be a good source of information. By finding out what the experience of others has been, you’ll have a better chance of knowing what to expect yourself.

4. Understand Your Requirements

Before you start evaluating a potential cloud service provider for your business, you first need to decide what your requirements are. Decide what you need from a provider and know your priorities.

Make a checklist that you’ll refer to during your search. By having a clear vision of what you’re looking for with cloud server hosting you will be much more equipped to analyze a company.

If you’re running an e-commerce business designed by Endertech, for example, you’ll have very specific and unique needs compared to other types of businesses. On the other hands, a medical business will also have unique requirements.

Remember that you’re not just looking for the best cloud hosting provider, but you’re looking for the best cloud hosting provider for you.

5. Server Reliability

It’s also critical that any cloud service provider you choose is incredibly reliable and offers servers that you can trust with your data. These features will help protect you if one of the servers goes down.

Servers should offer load balance features and there should be multiple paths. A load balancer will work to automatically redirect a user to another active server if the server you are using fails.

A provider that offers multiple server options and backup features will ensure that you are never without service. This will also ensure that your data remains secure.

6. Scalable Server Capacity

In addition to load balance features, a server also needs to be reliable and be able to support your site in the case that there is an unexpected spike in website traffic.

The best cloud hosting providers will be able to scale your server capacity as needed. Many cloud hosting providers will provide traffic scalability and this is one of the greatest benefits of using a cloud hosting solution.

However, it’s important to check that any host you are considering is well-equipped with these features. Make sure that a cloud hosting provider will be able to scale your traffic automatically should the time come.

7. Level of Support Provided

If you’re serious about choosing a reliable cloud server for your business then you need to make sure the level of support provided is also adequate. If anything goes wrong or if you aren’t technically savvy, reliable support services are crucial.

Make sure that the company offers complete support and is available 24/7 to tend to your needs and questions.

Consider your preferred method of communication as well. Some providers will offer support over the phone while others may offer support through chat or email. Many will offer all three ways of contact.

However, this isn’t always the case. Make sure you take the time beforehand to discover the kind of support they offer. Then pick a provider that is easy to contact for support through whatever method works best for you.

8. Other Features to Consider

In addition to the standard features you should expect from a cloud hosting provider, there are many more add-ons and services that you may consider depending on your specific needs. Usually, additional services that are added to the service level agreement (SLA) will also come with a higher price tag, but it may be well worth it for your business.

Many cloud hosting providers will offer application performance management (APM), for example. This feature can help provide a lot of insight into internal performance improvements.

Additionally, if your business is ruled by industry regulatory compliance standards such as HIPAA, PCI DSS, or others, you’ll want to make sure your host is able to help you comply.

Your business may have other specific needs and requirements. It’s important to think about your needs and make sure to address each of them before making your final decision.

Take Your Time to Evaluate the Best Cloud Hosting Providers

Many of the best cloud hosting providers will offer you a free evaluation period. Going through a free trial period with a provider can be an excellent choice. It can help give you the time and information you need to evaluate whether you want to choose a particular cloud hosting provider or not.

Make sure to consider all of the points above beforehand and throughout your trial period. By doing so, you’ll make sure that you’ve made the right decision for your business. A cloud hosting provider can be an excellent solution, but make sure to make a decision that you’ll be happy with for a long time to come.

Looking for more helpful strategies for marketing, improving, and promoting your business? Check out our business resources blog.